As Apple continues its massive push for vertical integration, its long-time chip supplier, Qualcomm, is successfully pivoting its business to focus on the high-end Android market. This transition marks a new chapter for both tech giants.
According to a new report from Digitimes Asia, this isn’t just a plan; it’s already happening. Qualcomm’s chip division (QCT) posted strong growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, driven almost entirely by the Android market. In fact, Qualcomm’s CEO, Cristiano Amon, noted that non-Apple revenue within the division surged by 18% year-over-year.
For those following Apple’s strategy, this is the logical outcome of a plan set in motion years ago. Controlling the entire hardware stack, from the A-series chips to modems, gives Apple unmatched control over performance, efficiency, and features.
Apple’s new C1-series custom modems have already made their debut in the iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and the latest iPad Pro models. While Qualcomm announced it would continue supplying Apple with some modems through 2026, this latest news confirms that the relationship is winding down as Apple’s own technology proliferates across its lineup.
This could have been bad news for Qualcomm, but the company is leaning heavily into the Android ecosystem—and it’s working. The global smartphone market is seeing a structural shift, with more users upgrading to premium, feature-rich devices. This has boosted demand for Qualcomm’s high-end Snapdragon processors.
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